Agudath Israel of America launched the first phase of its three-part advocacy mission in Albany on Tuesday, February 11, bringing together community leaders, yeshivah leadership, and activists from Queens and Long Island. This annual mission provided an opportunity for delegates to meet with lawmakers and address pressing policy concerns affecting Jewish communities, nonpublic schools, and families across New York State.
Strengthening School Security
With anti-Semitic hate crimes at record highs – in New York City alone, more than half of all reported hate crimes targeting Jews – the need for stronger security measures has never been clearer. A major focus of the mission was advocating for an increase in funding for the Nonpublic School Safety Equipment (NPSE) Grant. While last year’s allocation rose from $45 million to $70 million, Agudath Israel is calling for an increase to $90 million to ensure Jewish schools can implement critical security upgrades, including surveillance systems, reinforced entryways, and emergency preparedness resources.
Expanding Financial Support for Families
Delegates also pushed for the expansion of the Empire State Child Credit. Governor Hochul’s proposal to increase the credit to up to $1,000 per child under four years old, and $500 per child for those between four and 16, was strongly supported. Agudath Israel advocated for indexing the credit to inflation and modifying eligibility criteria to ensure larger families receive equitable financial relief. Additionally, discussions highlighted the urgent need for increased funding for immunization record-keeping – currently set at only $1 million despite a statewide need of $15 million – as well as the importance of universal school meals and the reimbursement of Mandated Services Aid to help nonpublic schools meet operational costs.
Engaging Lawmakers and Strengthening Community Ties
Throughout the day, delegates met with key Assemblymembers – including Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-23), Sam Berger (D-27), Ari Brown (R-20), Andrew Hevesi (D-28), Daniel Norber (R-16), Nily Rozic (D-25), and Steve Stern (D-10) – as well as Senators Joseph Addabbo (D-15), Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R-9), Leroy Comrie (D-14), and James Sanders (D-10). Staff members from Assemblymember Judy Griffin (D-21) and State Senators Jack Martins (R-7), John Liu (D-16), and Toby Ann Stavisky (D-11) also participated in these discussions.
During a working lunch, Assemblymembers Simcha Eichenstein and Kalman Yeger joined the delegation, offering additional insight and strengthening dialogue between lawmakers and the Jewish community.
A Meaningful Siyum
One of the most moving moments of the day was Assemblymember Sam Berger’s siyum of a masechta. Berger, Kew Gardens Hills’ voice in Albany, dedicated the siyum l’zeicher nishmas his paternal grandparents, Maras Sarah Zissel bas Shmuel HaKohen Berger a”h and Reb Pinchas Zelig ben Yehoshua Berger z”l. Reflecting on the occasion in a conversation with QJL, Berger stated, “With a very rare minyan in Albany, I was able to make a siyum on Maseches Beitzah on behalf of my grandparents.” He expressed profound gratitude for the minyan, seeing it as a reaffirmation of Jewish tradition and values in a place where such moments are uncommon.
Voices from the Floor
Speaking with QJL, Berger highlighted the broader importance of Agudath Israel’s advocacy, stating, “Orthodox Jewry is facing a critical turning point in history, and we need activists like Agudath Israel who fight for Jewish values with Torah principles. I was pleased to be visited by so many constituents on their Albany advocacy day. I will never stop fighting for the Jewish people, and I am grateful for Agudath Israel’s partnership in Albany.”
Assemblymember Ari Brown also underscored the importance of bipartisan unity in combating anti-Semitism and protecting Jewish values. As the only Orthodox Republican in New York State history – and the first elected official to wear a yarmulke on Long Island 26 years ago – he deeply appreciated the collective effort of Agudath Israel and Queens Jewish leaders in Albany. He emphasized, “Despite political differences, we must stand together across the aisle on legislation that defends our people,” while cautioning against supporting candidates who promote anti-Torah values.
Similarly, Assemblymember Nily Rozic reaffirmed her steadfast commitment to prioritizing an assurance that all students regardless of the school they attend receive the necessary resources to succeed. Speaking with QJL, Rozic stressed the need for access to academic intervention services, STEM education, and enhanced school safety, while also addressing the financial burden of state-mandated immunization compliance.
The Power of Direct Engagement
“I have repeatedly been told by legislators about the difference it makes when they meet their constituents face-to-face,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah’s Director of New York Government Relations. “By bringing community members to Albany, we facilitate meaningful dialogue and strengthen our advocacy efforts.”
The mission also featured active participation from key figures in the community, including Sorolle Idels, Chairperson of Queens Jewish Alliance, and Rabbi Chaim Schauder, Executive Director of Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe. Rabbi Schauder highlighted the necessity of participation, noting, “It is important for every organization to send a representative to Albany to show that we’re serious about our mission. Numbers speak volumes.”
Rabbi Avraham Fridman, MSEd, Principal of Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion, reflected on the power of unity displayed at the event: “Joining the Agudath Israel of America mission to Albany was an inspiring experience – standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow advocates, we raised our voices for the needs of Jewish families and yeshivos here in Queens and across New York. Our collective efforts showed the power of unity and the importance of ensuring a strong future for our community.”
Looking Ahead
Agudath Israel remains committed to building on this momentum. With additional delegations scheduled to visit Albany in the coming weeks, the organization is dedicated to ensuring that lawmakers hear – and act upon – the urgent needs of their constituents. As challenges such as rising threats to Jewish institutions, increasing educational costs, and financial pressures persist, advocacy continues to serve as a powerful tool in securing the vital resources necessary for the continued success of Jewish schools, families, and communities across New York State.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
